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I Scored at the Snohomish Plant Sale

It’s always a treat to pick through the Snohomish Garden Club’s plant sale each spring. Even though the plants tend to be the same year after year – most likely since they’re divided/starts from the same gardens – it seems I’m usually looking for something different each time. This year I wanted to find a couple more Hostas and some ground covers. Unfortunately, I was so distracted by all the plants that I didn’t find any Hostas and got only two ground covers. Oh well. I’m more than happy with the plants we brought home.

As you can see, our wheelbarrow was full of new plants and I’m not even sure I have room for them. Here’s what I got:
2 California Bay Trees; 2 Black Mondo Grass; 1 Purple Heuchera; 2 Lime Green Heuchera; 1 Helleborus; 1 Hardy Geranium; 1 Purple Phlox; 1 Bare Root Pussy Willow Tree; 1 Astilbe; 2 Cyclamen; 2 Varigated Arabis; 1 Sedum; 2 Echevera; 1 Astrantia; 1 Lupine; 1 Bergenia; 1 Speedwell.

Not only was it great because we got new plants, but because we met up with our really close friends the Wellers and Sara, who came with her mom. I wish we could’ve chatted all day but it was very cold and we had a lot of chores to do at home. As did our friends.

I was delighted to see little Isabelle and Abigail – they’re growing so quickly! I can’t believe how time is flying by. I guess we’ll just have to visit Toby and Michelle’s one day soon to chat about their family and check out the garden.

Just my opinion, but, everyone should do their part to support their local garden club. By doing so, you’re contributing to your neighborhood and, if you’re lucky, you may run into some old friends.

Discovering the Belltown P-Patch

Mosaic tiles fancy up the main garden entrance

In middle of a bustling city, we found a garden sanctuary with tile mosaic walls, beautiful iron fences and therapeutic patches of dirt – ready for planting.

The Belltown P-Patch is located on the corner of Elliot and Vine – nestled between condominiums, businesses and a warehouse.

You’re welcomed by a beautiful tile mosaic staircase that leads to a whimsical garden and a view of Puget Sound.

An iron fence surrounds the garden with designs including onions, leaves and various garden tools.

Pathways weave around the personal spaces set aside for each gardener. Artwork, trellises, and edging help make each space special.

View of Elliot Bay and west view of garden beds

Garden art and east view of garden

I’m happy this patch of land was saved and the view wasn’t used to build more condominiums – that would’ve been a waste. Click here to read more about the garden and how they got started.

Yes, I Cheated When Picking Favorite Plants

I realize I cheated by picking a plant family instead of a specific plant – I apologize. There's no way I can pick only 10 plants. I also don't remember all my plant names and have become horrible at keeping records. I'll try to improve in this area. Until then, enjoy my first six favorite plant families and pictures from my garden (most of them anyway). I'll post my remaining four shortly.

6 – Magnolia: My Top 10 Favorite Plants

This Saucer Magnolia tree is one of the main reasons I purchased my house. I love it. Last fall I got the smaller Star Magnolia bush for the back yard.

5 – Dahlia: My Top 10 Favorite Plants

Ahhh, the Dahlia. This MUST be my favorite flower since I own over 25 different varieties. I love Dahlias because they’re beautiful and give me flowers all summer long. I don’t dig mine up, but simply cover with Magnolia leaves each fall and they winter over just fine.